A serving police officer has admitted to multiple child sex offences. Thomas Kettleborough, 35, was arrested in July 2023 before being suspended from his role as an Inspector at Avon and Somerset Police.
He was arrested on suspicion of arranging or facilitating commission of a child sex offence and has been on conditional bail since. Police said Kettleborough drove to meet a ‘child’ who he was talking to online but was instead met by officers who were part of a sting operation designed to catch paedophiles.
A further investigation revealed that he had engaged in sexual communication with a child in May 2023. He also had indecent images dating from April 2019 to July 2023.
Kettleborough appeared at Exeter Crown Court today, Friday, February 7, and pleaded guilty to offences under the Sexual Offences and Protection of Children Acts. He will be sentenced at the same court on Thursday, March 13.
Kettleborough pleaded guilty to the following offences:
- Arranging or facilitating commission of a child sex offence
-
Attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child
-
Attempting to cause or incite a child to engage in sexual activity
-
One count of engaging in sexual communication with a child
-
One count of possessing an indecent photograph or pseudo-photograph of a child
-
Three counts of making an indecent photograph of pseudo-photograph of a child
Detective Inspector David Wells from the Online Investigations Team at the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU) said: “Thomas Kettleborough was originally arrested after communicating online, with who he thought was a child, over several days in 2023. He later travelled to meet that ‘child’, but instead was met by officers from our unit and arrested.
“When we examined his phone and computer, we uncovered further offences which showed he had previously engaged in sexual communication with a child in May 2023. He also had indecent images dating from April 2019 to July 2023.
“All of the offenders we deal with who are attempting to engage children in sexual activity online and, as in this case, attempt to meet to abuse them, are exploiting young people in the most horrendous way. When the offender in question is in such a position of trust like Thomas Kettleborough was, in a role that is about protecting people from harm, the horror of the risk he posed and crimes he committed is intensified.”
Assistant Chief Constable Joanne Hall, from Avon and Somerset Police, said: “This officer has been convicted of extremely serious and appalling offences. The gravity of his crimes cannot be underestimated. As soon as these offences came to light he was suspended and we worked with our partner agencies to ensure all necessary safeguarding measures were put in place.
“Robust action has been taken throughout the time and a misconduct investigation has been running in parallel to the criminal investigation. We’ve been unable to finalise these proceedings until the criminal case has concluded, as securing justice in a court of law has to take precedence. Now a conviction has been secured, we’ll be moving swiftly to ensure this officer is never able to work in policing or other law enforcement agencies again.
“It’s important to note the vast majority of our officers and staff dedicate themselves to public service and keeping people safe. This officer’s colleagues have been equally horrified to learn of his abhorrent criminal behaviour and we’re making sure anyone who needs support has access to it.”
Avon and Somerset Police said that anyone who has any relevant information and wants to speak to specialist officers directly about this case, can contact officers online here: Contact us | Avon and Somerset Police, using the reference number 5224157243. If you’re not able to contact the force online, please call 101 and use the same reference number.